Register Now

In order to be able to post messages on the Hot Rod Forum : Hotrodders Bulletin Board forums, you must first register.
Please enter your desired user name (usually not your first and last name), your email address and other required details in the form below.

User Name:

Password

Please enter a password for your user account. Note that passwords are case-sensitive.

Password:

Confirm Password:

Email Address

Please enter a valid email address for yourself.

Email Address:

Log-in

User Name

Remember Me?

Password

Human Verification

In order to verify that you are a human and not a spam bot, please enter the answer into the following box below based on the instructions contained in the graphic.

Additional Options

Miscellaneous Options

Automatically parse links in text

Automatically embed media (requires automatic parsing of links in text to be on).

Automatically retrieve titles from external links

Topic Review (Newest First)

11-16-2012 10:16 AM

John long

Quote:

Originally Posted by engineertom

John L, that is a good idea, been using that setup for a while. However, you can buy the tool/tools from National Chevy. It's been a while since I bought them but the part number is 1357 and price is 40.00, but if you look at them you can make your own out of 1/8 inch flat stock. Had thought of looking on the computer I'd have saved 40 bucks. Make 'em a tad wider than springs and shorter. Open the hood all the way and force it a little further, then close it and take springs off

I can't take credit for the idea. Don't even remember who suggested it. I found out here on this thread that the tool is made that way. Pretty cool....

John L

11-16-2012 05:28 AM

engineertom

John L, that is a good idea, been using that setup for a while. However, you can buy the tool/tools from National Chevy. It's been a while since I bought them but the part number is 1357 and price is 40.00, but if you look at them you can make your own out of 1/8 inch flat stock. Had thought of looking on the computer I'd have saved 40 bucks. Make 'em a tad wider than springs and shorter. Open the hood all the way and force it a little further, then close it and take springs off

11-14-2012 07:01 PM

Gringo

I just put end of spring in vise. Bend it to the side. Install a few washers. this streches it out enough so it will go right on. Lower hood a bit, washers fall out. No damage to paint or chrome etc..

11-02-2012 07:45 AM

novafreek6872

^^^

GOOD ONE!

I can see where a large adjustable would work great for that. Thanks.

11-01-2012 09:20 PM

mr4speed

Have been using an adjustible wrench, (the round hole on the opposite end) fits right around the end of the spring and can not slip off. But I do like Brian's idea as it gives a little more pulling leverage, keeping the chain short or long. Will give it a try.

11-01-2012 06:43 PM

John long

LOL Any one know a good attorney?

11-01-2012 12:37 PM

joe_padavano

Quote:

Originally Posted by John long

OK, Don't make fun of the art work. I loaned my hood spring tool and can't take a picture of it. I took a half tube, welded a couple of washers in it. Spread the hinge and slip the tool on it. Install the hinge and as you lower the hood it will stretch the spring and allow easy removal of the tool. To stretch the spring I drilled two 1/4 inch holes in the jaws of my vice. By placing 2 bolts in the holes I can open the jaws of the vice stretching the spring so I can position the tool. Not sure mine is the best idea but has worked for me for years.

John L

Well, for what it's worth, this is what the Kent-Moore hood spring tool looks like in the GM Chassis Service Manuals.

10-25-2012 06:03 AM

deadbodyman

Thats a great looking tool there John, I'll be making one for sure...

10-24-2012 09:51 PM

MARTINSR

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizer

wow, I must be lazy because I just take one of my small pry bars and put the spring on like you do with a brake spring tool.

I do NOT recommend doing that, I have heard of more than one broken windshield over the years using that method!

Brian

10-24-2012 09:24 PM

John long

LOL, Josh, are you suggesting that I have over engineered my solution? Seriously, some of the older cars have some REALLY STIFF springs.

John L

10-24-2012 08:06 PM

Lizer

wow, I must be lazy because I just take one of my small pry bars and put the spring on like you do with a brake spring tool.

10-24-2012 06:12 PM

John long

OK, Don't make fun of the art work. I loaned my hood spring tool and can't take a picture of it. I took a half tube, welded a couple of washers in it. Spread the hinge and slip the tool on it. Install the hinge and as you lower the hood it will stretch the spring and allow easy removal of the tool. To stretch the spring I drilled two 1/4 inch holes in the jaws of my vice. By placing 2 bolts in the holes I can open the jaws of the vice stretching the spring so I can position the tool. Not sure mine is the best idea but has worked for me for years.

John L

10-24-2012 01:53 PM

truck72

One time I got it caught on the top side and I could not get the belt off. So I cut it. hung it on the wall that way and have been using it ever since. I love that spreading trick too.

10-24-2012 01:43 PM

MARTINSR

Now your spreading trick allows you to paint it better, again, great idea.

Brian

10-24-2012 01:28 PM

E.Furgal

nice..
I have a threaded rod I use with a few washers and nuts. that spreads the spring open..
this above is slick.. but my rod/washer thing alows you to blast and then repaint..
but if not painting, this chain idea is the e ticket..

This thread has more than 15 replies.
Click here to review the whole thread.